Updated 11:32 am, Friday, March 25, 2011

John Willingham long has been fascinated with the horrific “Goliad Massacre,” which came three weeks after the 1836 Battle of the Alamo and further riled the Texans in their war for independence.

When the Waco-born author speaks Saturday at this weekend's commemoration of the 175th anniversary of the execution of 342 men, he'll likely contrast the Alamo with Goliad.

“When you ask people what they think about the Alamo, they tell you immediately what comes to mind: never give up; fight to the death; an absolute right and wrong,” he said. “Goliad is more complex.”

Lovers of history can explore the mysteries and relive the intense emotions through re-enactments, lectures and ceremonies in memory of the March 27, 1836, executions at Presidio La Bahía, near Goliad.

One highlight of a candlelight tour late Saturday is a re-enactment of Col. José Nicolás de la Portilla getting orders sent by Santa Anna to execute Col. James Fannin and his men who had surrendered at the Battle of Coleto.

“Even if you don't know Spanish, the tension is so high the hair stands up on the back of your neck,” said Newton Warzecha, director of the 1749 presidio.

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On the anniversary of the Palm Sunday massacre, readings of the story of Goliad survivor Isaac Hamilton and a “death march” from La Bahía to the execution site will be followed by a memorial service Sunday.

Visitors will walk in procession to the Fannin Memorial Monument, where the dead are buried, for a reading of the eulogy Texas Gen. Thomas Jefferson Rusk delivered June 3, 1836 — several weeks after Texans won independence at San Jacinto.

Willingham, whose book “The Edge of Freedom” focuses on Goliad, said the Alamo represents a romantic tale, while Goliad captures a pragmatic approach in the form of a surrender — a gambit to achieve peace.

The executions outraged Americans and helped set the stage for a Texan victory at San Jacinto. But Santa Anna's order also fanned racial tensions, Willingham said.

The Goliad tale includes elements of heroism through Francita Alavez, the celebrated “Angel of Goliad,” and Father Thomas Malloy. Together, they saved dozens of prisoners from execution.

“I see them as brave, persistent activists, driven by their religious faith,” Willingham said.

Historians have said Fannin made some bad decisions but stayed true to what he felt was in the best interests of his troops.

“It's a fascinating moral-ethical conflict between a romantic age and a pragmatic age that requires compromise,” Willingham said. “When I enter the Alamo, I immediately feel a sense of reverence. At Goliad, there's mystery, puzzlement and an intriguing challenge to try to understand it.”